The Rich Family: Dear Dad,

You'll have to forgive us, but your birthday gift will be a 'cyber' gift first, until we get it mailed. We wanted to get you something this year that you couldn't just go pick up yourself. So I thought we'd make you some dark chocolate peppermint fudge (I'm drooling) with all the candy canes that used to hang on our tree until Gavin snapped them all at their crooks. But then I found out you were laying off the sugar... I almost still went with it, telling myself that you could just share it, but... then I put myself in your place and realized how LAME I would think that arrangement was. So we tried to get creative and this is the result:

The card reads:

We're sorry your package will be arriving so late,
Getting it sent in time sure would have been great!
But it wasn't in the cards for us, you see,
The first chain was smashed, unfortunately.

This second we made for this purpose quite clear--
So you can count down the rest of the days in the year
And continue on counting, at the same time we do,
The rest of the days till we get to see YOU!

We are thrilled as can be for the 12th day of next year;
We'll drive to the airport and wait for you to appear.
Your stay will be awesome, we'll do such fun things!
Gavin will show all his tricks--how he reads, how he sings!

We are so very glad you're our dad/"gyandpa"
The fact we can't see you today, well, it's BLAH!
We love you and miss you without any doubt.
Relationships like ours are what life's all about.

Happy 50th Birthday!!!

Love, Craig, Sharelle, Gavin and Mason

P.S. You'll be receiving this in a package sent via USPS hopefully soon!

And for your viewing pleasure:
Here's Gavin's Birthday smile for you!

Dad, I knew I loved you when I was a little girl and you took care of me, wiped away my tears when I was upset, held me close when I was scared, and beamed with joy when I did something you thought was cute. The day I found out that you could be married to only Mom and not me was a sad one indeed!

When I was a teenager, I realized you were an even better man than I had previously thought. I saw there was more to you - weakness as well as strength, heartache as well as joy, worry as well as security. You weren't the fairytale 'Prince Charming' of my childhood, you were better! Because even in the face of opposition, you chose faith and rose above it.

As the years have passed on, you've continued to make that choice. With your grey hairs has come greater wisdom, experience, and a softening of temperament. What a beautiful process! I see you, each day, becoming a more Christ-like person, and it amazes me. I only hope I can follow in your footsteps and continue in the legacy you and Mom have left for your posterity.

I am so eternally grateful to be your daughter! Thank you for loving me and my family. One of the things that brings me so much joy is knowing that some of the fruits of my labor (literally) bring you joy. I'm so grateful my boys have a grandpa as amazing as you!